Friday, June 5, 2026 

DUBUQUE, IA — General Manager John Bries and the Dubuque County Fair Association have officially extended an open invitation to the tristate community for the 73rd Annual Dubuque County Fair. The highly anticipated regional tradition is scheduled to return to the fairgrounds along Old Highway Road from

Tuesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. 

Following the association’s landmark acquisition of the 30-acre fairgrounds property from the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors earlier this year, management is preparing for a robust week of family entertainment, agricultural exhibitions, track events, and live musical performances. 

The Fair Association has finalized the daily themes, grandstand programming, and key structural timings for this year’s event.

John Invites You Out video

Tuesday, July 28: Free Admission Day

Sponsors: Tegeler Wrecker & Crane and Wenzel Towing.

Events: Opening ceremonies commence at 6:00 PM. At 7:00 PM, the grandstand features Country Duets and a Neil Diamond tribute by the Doug Allen Nash Band.

Wednesday, July 29: Kid’s Day

Events: Highlighting youth activities throughout the day. At 6:30 PM, the Pro Late Model Series takes to the racetrack. The Festival Garden hosts Wild West Wednesday with Ken Peiffer beginning at 8:00 PM.

Thursday, July 30: Country Day

Events: Grandstand gates open at 6:30 PM for the annual Country Concert, featuring headliner Dylan Marlowe with special guest Atlus (sponsored in part by Theisen’s). Regional entertainment continues in the Festival Garden from 8:00 PM to midnight with Back Booth Alley.

Friday, July 31: Rock Day

Events: Grandstand gates open at 6:30 PM for the evening’s rock concert, featuring national touring act Sleep Theory with special guest Silly Goose. The group Crazy Delicious takes over the Festival Garden stage from 8:00 PM to midnight.

Saturday, August 1: Family Day

Sponsor: Premier Bank.

Events: Action shifts to the track at 6:30 PM for the ECIPA Truck & Tractor Pull. Live music by the Ditch Lillies runs in the Festival Garden from 8:00 PM to midnight.

Sunday, August 2: Demolition & Race Day

Events: The final day features high-octane motorsport events starting with the Demolition Derby on the main track at 12:00 PM, followed by the “Stuff a Porta Potty” contest at 12:30 PM. The fair wraps up with the historic Julien Dubuque Classic stock car races starting at 6:00 PM.